Oh we loves us some buzzwords here at Digital Blue. In fact, our paradigm just recently shifted and our solutions are totally optimized. I’m not sure if the unconference is yet a buzzword, but it’s certainly getting some buzz.
The Wikipedia defines an unconference as a meeting where content is driven primarily by the participants. Typically the topics of discussion are not decided until the day of the meeting and are subject to change throughout. The Unconference Blog says that it is “the space between talking heads and a cocktail party with participant interaction around a theme or purpose.”
I think it is the evolution of meetings, starting with the ones that hurt the most – like the the two-day “summits” that companies use to inform their employees of stuff or team offsites organized by non-meeting professionals that wind up completely running out of steam right around the mid-morning coffee break.
Think about how much more valuable an internal meeting would be for everyone if employees could invite executives into their worlds for a session or two, instead of the other way around. Here’s an example of an un-agenda from Plaxo, who apparently have a knack of affixing “axo” onto everything they do. Their weekly unconferences for tech teams are called Meataxo:
In an effort to bring buzzworthiness to the unconference movement, this article from BusinessWeek does a good job of introducing the concept:
Unconferences turn the plodding, predictable business gathering inside out. Everyone who shows up is a potential speaker, and those who don’t speak contribute by posting photos, blog entries, podcasts, and video clips of the proceedings. Neckties and heels are noticeably absent. And attendance is almost always inexpensive or free.
Hmmm… I think there is going to be a hybrid that combines the best of traditional and unconference planning and production. When you want to bring a lot of thinkers together for a specific purpose, organization is necessary or you really just gamble on the success of the event. That said, I love the concept and can’t wait to work a show where at least part of the day gives voice to the audience.
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